Palestinian Journalists Targeted by Israel, Facing Perilous Profession
In most countries, a journalist's press card facilitates their work, granting access and sometimes discounts. However, in many Arab nations, it can mark a journalist as suspicious to authorities, potentially leading to border delays, interrogations, and denial of entry. This is particularly true for Palestinian journalists, who face heightened scrutiny due to their identity and profession, especially if they have critical views or security records.
The article highlights that International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian Journalists, observed annually on May 3rd, often sees pronouncements of support that contrast with the reality faced by these journalists. This day was established in 1996 by the International Federation of Journalists following the 'Tunnel Intifada' and the harsh treatment of journalists by Israeli forces.
Palestinian journalism is described as a "profession of danger" rather than just "a profession of trouble." Between 2000 and the start of the Gaza war, 55 journalists were documented as killed, not as collateral damage, but allegedly targeted for their profession, citing Shireen Abu Akleh as a prime example. Hundreds more have been injured, arrested, or had their equipment destroyed by Israeli forces. Currently, around 40 journalists are reportedly detained.
The article posits that journalists are targeted to suppress truth and control the narrative, preventing the world from seeing events and leaving reporting solely to Israeli state media or journalists embedded with the IDF. During the recent war on Gaza, the targeting of journalists allegedly became a systematic policy, with Israeli spokespeople justifying it by claiming journalists were covering IDF operations, affiliated with resistance factions, or disguised combatants.
Israel reportedly killed over 262 journalists during the Gaza war, representing approximately 20% of the journalistic corps in Gaza. This rate is significantly higher than the general casualty rate in the Strip. The article suggests these targeted killings, along with attacks on medical staff, civil defense workers, academics, and police, aim to eliminate societal pillars and prepare Gaza for a potential displacement plan. The author criticizes the international community's silence and perceived tolerance of these actions, noting that some European leaders continue to express support for Israel, even after incidents like Abu Akleh's killing, while also criticizing Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's speeches.
